"May I always better understand what I must do in my life to bring joy to those around me and to bring joy to You."
Antonio Emanuele, 1996
Who he was
Antonio Emanuele Augurusa was born in the spring of 1986 in Filogaso, a small village in Calabria, where he tragically lost his life on a soccer field in the summer of 1998.
From these same streets, our Foundation has grown, guided by Antonio’s vision of a fair, just, and united world—a vision he once sketched in pencil and pastel as a "House of Peace".
Antonio built his House of Peace every day, striving to make his world a home for all, ensuring that everyone around him felt like an active member of the human family living within that house. To him, peace was not merely the absence of conflict but the active promotion of human and environmental well-being.
His message
We gather Antonio's legacy through four concepts that collectively make up his message and tell his approach to life.
His places
An illustrated map of Filogaso, revisited with elements from his past and our present, to retrace Antonio's steps.
“My world is school, friends, home, my parents, my siblings, and last but not least the town square and streets.”
Antonio Emanuele, 1996
The Church of Sant'Agata
This is the Church of Sant’Agata, where Antonio received the sacrament of baptism. It is here that Antonio’s sense of Charity is symbolically born.
Antonio’s Birthplace
This is Antonio’s birthplace, where he spent his childhood years. Today, the entrance houses one of the Foundation’s offices.
Football field
This is the football field where Antonio tragically lost his life — during a moment of play, the crossbar collapsed on him. Soon, a sports hall will be built here to redeem this place and honor Antonio’s memory.
Playground
This is the playground that the Foundation donated to the community of Filogaso in 2020. Here stands the bas-relief created by the artist Giuseppe Farina in Antonio’s name — a reminder that no child should ever lose their life in a moment of play.
Piazzetta
This is the "piazzetta" (little square) next to the house where Antonio spent the last years of his life. It is here that Antonio’s desire for Transformation is symbolically born.
Corso Garibaldi
This is Corso Garibaldi, the main street of Filogaso where Antonio used to run and play with his friends and brothers. It is here that Antonio’s sense of Community is symbolically born.
Middle School “Antonio Augurusa”
This is the “Antonio Augurusa” middle School, named after him in 2018 as a young example of respect and charity toward others, dedication to study, and love for life with eyes always turned to the sky. It is here that Antonio’s capacity for Dialogue is symbolically born.
The Church of Sant'Agata
This is the Church of Sant’Agata, where Antonio received the sacrament of baptism. It is here that Antonio’s sense of Charity is symbolically born.
Antonio’s Birthplace
This is Antonio’s birthplace, where he spent his childhood years. Today, the entrance houses one of the Foundation’s offices.
Football field
This is the football field where Antonio tragically lost his life — during a moment of play, the crossbar collapsed on him. Soon, a sports hall will be built here to redeem this place and honor Antonio’s memory.
Playground
This is the playground that the Foundation donated to the community of Filogaso in 2020. Here stands the bas-relief created by the artist Giuseppe Farina in Antonio’s name — a reminder that no child should ever lose their life in a moment of play.
Piazzetta
This is the "piazzetta" (little square) next to the house where Antonio spent the last years of his life. It is here that Antonio’s desire for Transformation is symbolically born.
Corso Garibaldi
This is Corso Garibaldi, the main street of Filogaso where Antonio used to run and play with his friends and brothers. It is here that Antonio’s sense of Community is symbolically born.
Middle School “Antonio Augurusa”
This is the “Antonio Augurusa” Lower Secondary School, named after him in 2018 as a young example of respect and charity toward others, dedication to study, and love for life with eyes always turned to the sky. It is here that Antonio’s capacity for Dialogue is symbolically born.
Explore Antonio's places by clicking the highlighted areas on the map.
Explore Antonio's places by tapping the highlighted areas on the map.
In his name
Though Antonio is no longer with us to witness the impact of his young life, his message continues to inspire and guide the thoughts and actions of both his family and his extended nonprofit family. Over the years, numerous initiatives have flourished in his name, honoring his memory and virtues. These efforts engage the Filogaso community and have begun to reach new communities overseas, responding to the call of his message.
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A playground is donated to the community of Filogaso, featuring a bas-relief of Antonio embraced by Saint Josemaría Escrivá.
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The first spontaneous prayer groups in his name begin to form.
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The middle school in Filogaso is dedicated to Antonio Emanuele Augurusa.
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His message spreads among young people in the Philippines through awareness activities in schools.
